Gene-Culture Interactions

Examining the interconnections between genes and culture is crucial for a more complete understanding of psychological processes. Genetic predispositions may predict different outcomes depending on one''s cultural context and culture may predict different outcomes depending on genetic predispositions - that is genes and culture interact. Less is understood however about how genes and culture interact or the psychological mechanisms through which gene-culture interactions occur. In this Element Heewon Kwon and Joni Y. Sasaki review key findings and theories in gene-culture interaction research. They then go on to discuss current issues and future directions in gene-culture research that may illuminate the path toward an explanatory framework.